Become aware, because someone’s life may depend on your ability to help during a seizure.

November is an important month to me, because it’s Epilepsy Awareness Month.

Not too many people know what epilepsy is or that there is an awareness month for it. My 5-year-old son has been a fighter of epilepsy for the past four years.

Every November I take time to educate others on epilepsy and how they can help. I am not a trained medical profession, but I have learned a lot from personal life experiences and I love to share what I have learned with others.

Do you know what to do if someone around you has a seizure? If you don’t, you should learn first aid for seizures, to help someone incase they have a seizure around you.

Seizures are more common than people think, so it’s likely you may witness someone having a seizure at least once in your life – if you haven’t already.

There are various types of seizures, but the two main types of seizures are grand mal and complex partial. Each type requires different first aid; be sure to do your own research about different types of seizures so you can be aware of what they look like.

Grand mal seizures are what people think of when they hear the word “seizure.” A person having a grand mal usually falls to the floor, shakes and jerks, becomes unaware of what’s going on around and becomes unconscious.

When you witness a person having a grand mal, help the person to the floor, look at the time so you can time the seizure, cushion their head, loosen their clothes and turn them on their side.

Call 9-1-1 if it’s the person’s first time having a seizure, if they are having trouble breathing, have other serious health conditions or if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes. Make sure to use your own judgment – if you think 9-1-1 should be called, then call.

Complex partial are difficult to describe. A person may seem fine, but may not be able to respond to anything – and this type of seizure may include involuntary movements like lip smacking or fidgeting, or hallucinations. They may seem confused suddenly or stare off into space.

When a person is having a complex partial seizure, just monitor them and keep them away from sharp and hot objects. Stay with the person until the seizure is over.

After any seizure the person may be confused and scared. Just reassure the person that you are there to help and explain what just happened.

Do NOT put anything in a person’s mouth during a seizure, and do NOT hold a person down. Please educate yourself about the many types of seizures and first aid. Contact a medical professional with any questions or concerns you may have about seizures .

Become aware, because someone’s life may depend on your ability to help during a seizure.